University of the Highlands and Islands | Old High St Stephen's Church Old High St Stephen's Church Welcome to Old High St Stephens Church, Inverness Search by Peter Nimmo Old High St Stephen’s Parish Church has announced the speakers at this year’s summer evening services at the Old High Church, Church Street, Inverness. We have been hosting guest speakers at evening services on summer Sunday evenings at the Old High, the oldest church in Inverness, for more than a decade. We host these speakers as a gift to the whole Christian Community of Inverness, fulfilling the Old High’s role as the ‘town church’ of the City of Inverness. Each event begins with worship at 7.30pm, and includes refreshments and a question and answer session. This year’s guest speakers are: 9 June 2013: James M Fraser MA MEd FRSA, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Highlands and Islands . 30 June 2013: Kenneth Steven , writer, author and poet 21 July 2013: Rev John L.

Bell, Iona Community member, hymnwriter, lecturer, broadcaster 11 August 2013: Rev Martin Johnstone, Priority Areas Secretary of the Church of Scotland and Chief Executive of Faith in Community Scotland Please see below for more information about each speaker. More detail about their talks will follow later. Continue reading → BBC News - Inverness College urged to go for Beechwood campus Inverness College urged to go for Beechwood campus The proposed site for the campus is on the outskirts of the city A cross-party group of northern MSPs has urged the principal of Inverness College to choose a controversial out-of-town site for its new campus. In a letter, seven politicians said Beechwood was the best place for it. Highlands and Islands Enterprise has earmarked the area for the University of the Highlands and Islands. Now Inverness College board is under pressure to move there too, rather than redevelop premises at the Longman Industrial Estate near the city centre. The letter about the campus was written by Community Safety Minister Fergus Ewing and fellow SNP parliamentarians Rob Gibson and Dave Thomson.

The others were Labour's David Stewart, Peter Peacock and Rhoda Grant, with John Farquhar Munro for the Lib Dems. 'Best option' In their letter - which was copied to Education Minister Mike Russell - they said it was their collective view that the Beechwood site was the best and least constrained in terms of developing further education facilities in the Highland capital for the future. David Stewart and John Farquhar Munro said it was highly unusual for rival politicians to come together on a particular course of action. Dave Thomson said the decision was of massive importance to Inverness and the Highlands. A spokesman for Inverness College said: "As local politicians it's of course right and proper that the respective MSPs should hold strong, personal positions on this important issue and the college wholeheartedly values their input and engagement as well as their support for the future development of Inverness College." He added: "Our position on the location of our new campus has been clear from the outset - namely that the college board will reach its decision based on the credible, empirical evidence presented in detailed appraisal reports into both potential sites.

"The board is presently in the process of evaluating these reports in a thorough and considered manner to ensure the eventual location delivers our vision of a 21st Century campus which meets the needs of staff, students, stakeholders and the wider community, now and in the years to come." The spokesman said the board was nearing the conclusion of this process. HIE has been criticised for its plans to spend up to £25m on the education and research campus near Inverness. It claimed the project would create jobs and retain talent. But Western Isles Council has said HIE should be investing in fragile areas of the region and not "booming" Inverness. Bookmark with: Scotland Travel Guide by Rick Steves St. Andrews At a Glance ▲▲▲ Edinburgh Proud and endlessly entertaining Scottish capital, with an imposing castle, attractions-studded Royal Mile, excellent museums, and atmospheric neighborhoods. ▲▲ Glasgow Scotland's fun and funky biggest city — gritty but gentrifying, and packed with gregarious locals, edgy culture, and a treasure trove of 20th-century architecture. ▲▲ St.

Andrews Beach town that hosts Scotland's top university and the world's most famous golf course, plus top-notch industrial museums in nearby Dundee and charming coastal scenery in the East Neuk. ▲▲ Oban and Inner Hebrides Handy home-base town of Oban, with boat trips to the isles of Mull, Iona, and Staffa. ▲▲ Inverness and Loch Ness Regional capital with easy access to more Highlands sights, including Culloden Battlefield (Scotland's Alamo) and monster-spotting at the famous Loch Ness. ▲▲ Isle of Skye Dramatically scenic island with craggy Cuillin Hills, jagged Trotternish Peninsula, castles, a distillery, dynamic clan history, and the colorful harbor town of Portree. ▲▲ Orkney Islands Fascinating island group off the north coast, with Scotland's best prehistoric sites, evocative Old Norse history, and WWI/WWII naval harbor. ▲▲ Glencoe Stirring "Weeping Glen" offering some of the Highlands' best scenery and hikes.

▲ Stirling Site of one of Scotland's top castles (home of the Stuart kings) overlooking a historic plain, with great sights nearby — from giant horse heads and a Ferris wheel for boats at Falkirk to Highland scenery in the Trossachs. ▲ Fort William and the "Road to the Isles" Transit-hub town anchoring a meandering road through a particularly historic and rugged stretch of the western coast. ▲ Eastern Scotland Grab-bag of sights between Inverness and Edinburgh, including a look at early Iron Age crannog life on Loch Tay, the distilleries of Speyside, the Queen's Scottish retreat at Balmoral Castle, and cliff-capping Dunnottar Castle. Wester Ross and the North Coast Some of the Highlands' best get-away-from-it-all scenery. Pitlochry Whisky and hillwalking mecca. Inverness travel guide - Wikitravel 10.1 Mountain Resorts Inverness Castle and the River Ness Inverness [1] is a city at the heart of the Scottish Highlands and the principal centre for administration and commerce. It is the most northern city in the British Isles.

Understand[ edit ] Advertised as "the Gateway to the Highlands" by the local authority, and long regarded as the capital of the Highlands, Inverness is the centre for commerce and industry in the Scottish Highlands , with continuing new investment in traditional industries and new hi-tech industries. It is also said to be one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. The city attracts considerable numbers of tourists drawn to the legend of the Loch Ness Monster, which according to mythology is purported to inhabit the Loch Ness that runs to the south of Inverness. By plane[ edit ] Inverness Airport [2] (Information Desk Tel: 01667 464000) is situated at Dalcross, 9 miles (15 km) east of the city, just off the main A96 trunk road. It connects to Edinburgh , London and a number of other places, and is served by FlyBE (a codeshare partner of British Airways), Easyjet, Eastern Airways, and Stobart Air. As with most airports, car rental services are available at the site. A taxi from the airport into the city costs around £15. Bus route 10 goes to town for much cheaper.

[3] The main approaches to Inverness are the following: from the South and North on the A9 road from Aberdeen on the A96 road from the South West on the A82 road None of the roads to Inverness are entirely dual-carriageway. Wikitravel has a guide to Rail travel in the United Kingdom . Inverness railway station is located in the City Centre. There are direct services to Edinburgh, Glasgow and London from the south and Aberdeen from the east. There are two scenic lines: to Thurso and Wick, and to Kyle of Lochalsh . If you're travelling from London, the Caledonian Sleeper [4] is an excellent way to travel. It leaves from London Euston the previous night and arrives between 0800 - 0830. East Coast [5] also operate a daily service to and from London King's Cross (known as The Highland Chieftain) which leaves at around 0900 (southbound) or 1200 (northbound). Journey time is around 8 hours. Be warned.

There is sometimes an error with the booking system through the internet if you intend to sit rather than book a sleeping berth; if your ticket says 'no seat reserved', you need to either phone up First Scot Rail or visit your nearest train station to reserve one (for free). If you don't have a reserved seat you may not be allowed on the train, despite having bought a ticket with the times and dates of the train printed on them, or at best be forced to pay £40 for a sleeping berth if there is one available. Stagecoach Bluebird [8] buses from Aberdeen National Express [9] and Megabus [10] run buses from England . Some coach services running to Loch Ness include a short break in Inverness. By boat[ edit ] The Caledonian Canal links the Beauly Firth through Loch Ness to Fort William at the foot of Ben Nevis, Britain's highest mountain. By bus[ edit ] There are around fifty bus routes traveling in and around Inverness, mainly operated by Stagecoach Inverness [11] . It helps to know where your destination is, as some ces do not have detailed information on the outside of the bus.

By train[ edit ] The 'Invernet' rail network provides commuter train services to Inverness from Tain, Dingwall and Beauly in the North, Nairn, Forres and Elgin in the East and Aviemore and Kingussie in the South. By taxis[ edit ] This is probably the most efficient form of transport after hours, as most bus services cease or become less frequent at about 7pm. You will not pay a great deal for a taxi by UK standards as Inverness is rather small, and routes are very direct. Some black cabs exist, though the majority of taxis are minicabs. These are all fairly trustworthy. By bike[ edit ] There are a few cycle lanes [12] on Inverness roads. However there are many combined cycle-footpaths where bicycles are welcome. See[ edit ][ add listing ] St Andrews cathedral Inverness Castle [13] at the end of the western pedestrian zone. It is a relatively new castle built in 1847 to replace a medieval castle blown up by the Jacobites. It houses the Sheriff Court and cannot be seen as a visitor (you at least should try to never see it from the inside).

Inverness Museum & Art Gallery [14] , Castle Wynd (base of Inverness Castle), 237114. The museum has a collection of Pictish stones and wildlife dioramas, as well as historic weapons. Underwent a major refurbishment in 2006, and now contains many artefacts on loan from the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. Old High Church [15] , Church Street, Inverness IV1 1EY. Oldest Church in Inverness, the 'Town Church' of the city. Historic Tour each Friday at 11.30am, June to August. Sunday services at 11.15am, Prayers for Peace and Justice every Friday at 1.05pm, and occasional evening services in the summer, with guest preachers, as advertised. Ship Space, 16 Clachnaharry Road IV3 8QH, ☎ 01463 716839, [16] . 10 am - 3 pm daily. An interactive and evolving museum in Inverness with nautical artefacts & large ships: e.g.

1:10 scale Titanic, Buckie drifter, RNLI lifeboat & more.. Free entry. edit Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Ness river near the Ness Islands Located on the south side of the Moray Firth with picturesque River Ness flowing through the city, it is worth taking a walk to the Ness Islands or the Caledonian Canal [17] . From the castle, walk upstream along the River Ness for less than 1 mile. The Caledonian Canal towpath is also good for walking. Or take a walk along the river with the Churches Along the River [18] leaflet, available from hotels, tourist offices, churches or downloadable from the website. Inverness offers activities from golfing to watersports. A bicycle ride through the Ness Islands and along the waterfront is highly recommended. Inverness has a very busy music & theatre scene. Inverness also has regular ceilidh nights and new indie nights in various venues across the city. Loch Ness by Jacobite (Jacobite cruises on Loch Ness), Tomnahurich Bridge, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness.

IV3 5TD (Take the Loch Ness road out of the city), ☎ 01463 233999, [19] . A selection of Inverness tours and cruises on Loch Ness and the Caledonian canal pick up in city centre in various locations. Cruises run 7 days a week throughout the year. edit Scottish Flair (Victorian Art), 11 Bank Street, Inverness, IV1 1QY (On the banks of the River Ness near the bouncy bridge), ☎ 01463 248500, [20] . 10.00 - 16.00. Scottish Flair is an art gallery based in the upstairs of the Riverside Gallery on the banks of the River Ness. Scottish Flair is a specialist Victorian and Edwardian art collector and dealer. edit Buy[ edit ][ add listing ] Inverness City Centre is compact and ideally explored by foot. There are many specialist & independent retailers in the historic Old town and Victorian Market, while the Eastgate Centre [21] shopping mall hosts many popular high street shops commonly found in Britain.

Eat[ edit ][ add listing ] Inverness has a wide selection of restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. There are a number of high quality restaurants serving a mixture of traditional Scottish food and modern cuisine using locally sourced produce. Worthy of a mention are: Ash Restaurant and Lounge Bar, a boutique city centre restaurant next to Railway Station, next to East gate Retail and Opposite Victorian Market, offering an extensive a ala carte menu with free wi-fi facilities . The Heathmount Hotel [22] a boutique hotel with informal restaurant and a lively bar at Crown just minutes walk from city centre The Mustard Seed [23] ,16 Fraser Street, IV1 1DW Rocpool [24] 1 Ness Walk, IV3 5NE Riva 4 Ness Walk, IV3 5NE - usually good Italian restaurant next to Rocpool Glenmoriston Hotel Drink[ edit ][ add listing ] From 2003 to 2013, Inverness had a 12 o'clock pub & club curfew, which is now no longer the case. Most public houses are closed by 1am but there are several late night venues open until 3am.

There's plenty of live music and good lively atmospheres around which offer much to tourists. Hootananny's is chief of those, offering (predominantly) celtic entertainment. As in all Scotland, all enclosed public places - which includes all eating places and bars - are non-smoking. A few have outside seating areas. On a warm summer's evening, the Dores Inn on the northern shore of Loch Ness (east side) is a particularly pleasant place to linger over a beer. They do good, traditional pub food, too. Located about 7 miles northwest of Inverness is Black Isle Brewery , an organic brewery. Their (free) tour isn't anything special, but their ales are generally excellent and you can buy bottles on site. If you don't have a car, it's possible to get here via the Stagecoach 27 bus from Inverness, but you'll still need to walk more than a mile on a country road to cover the ground from the nearest bus stop and the brewery grounds. Budget[ edit ] Inverness Youth Hostel Victoria Drive, ph: 0870 004 1127, [28] A modern 4 star hostel with excellent facilities.

Some small rooms en-suite, internet, laundry. £10.75-13.50/5.00-12.00 (adult/child). Open all year. Bazpackers, 4 Culduthel Rd, Inverness, IV2 4AB, ph: 01463 717663 [29] A perfect combination of cleanliness and informality. This hostel is quite small so booking in advance is advised. They have a resident cat called Polly. £ 15 Dorm. Bught caravan and camping site, Bught Lane, Inverness, IV3 5SR, ph: 01463 236920, [30] is just off the main road out to Loch Ness and Fort William. Open March to November, it is situated conveniently for a very pleasant 20 minute walk along the river into the city centre.

Mid range[ edit ] Inverglen Guest House, [31] , 7 Abertarff Road, Inverness, IV2 3NW, Tel: +44 (1463) 716 350, Email stay@inverglenguesthouse.com, Inverglen Guest House offers comfortable accommodation, in a quiet setting,yet only a few minutes walk to the city centre. All rooms are en-suite and there is free wi-fi and free parking. Your home from home in the Highland capital. Rookery Nook, [32] , 56 Culcabock Avenue, Inverness, IV2 3RQ, Tel: +44 (1463) 237 085, Email info@rookerynookinverness.co.uk, Rookery Nook is a comfortable, clean self-catering cottage 15 minutes' walk from Inverness city centre. Built with wheelchair users in mind. Pet-friendly, with its own private garden.

Dunhallin House, [33] , 164 Culduthel Road, Inverness, IV2 4BH, Tel: +44 (1463) 220824, Email info@dunhallin.co.uk, Dunhallin House offers extermely comfortable accommodation, in a quiet setting, which offers excellent value for money. The owners are extremely friendly and helpful; nothing is too much trouble. Your home from home inthe Highland capital. The Royal Highland Hotel, a completely refurbished luxury city centre Heritage hotel located next to the Railway Station, a popular venue and a landmark of Inverness and Highland ambience since 1856, [34] , email: info@royalhighlandhotel.co.uk Pottery House: A wonderful bed and breakfast just outside of Inverness in the village of Dores.

Rooms offer views directly onto the Loch Ness: [35] Park Guest House, [36] , 51 Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5PB, Tel: +44 (1463) 231858, Park Guest House is a substantial ivy clad Victorian Villa owned and run for 25 years by Irene and Hendry Robertson. Park Guest House bed and breakfast in Inverness offers Highland hospitality at its best. The Avalon Guest House, [37] , 79 Glenurquhart Road, Inverness IV3 5PB, Tel: +44 (1463) 239075, is currently rated on Tripadvisor as #1 B&B/Guest House in Inverness and was placed third in the whole of Europe in their 2009 Travellers' Choice Awards. The rooms are beautiful, having recently had a full refurbishment, and the owners are incredibly friendly and helpful.

Glendale Bed & Breakfast, [38] , 65 Macewen Drive, Inverness IV2 3LJ, Tel: 44 (1463) 230204, 5 minutes walk from the city centre with ample off street private car parking, on the corner of Midmills Road / Macewen Drive, non- smoking, your hosts are : Vera & Aleks. Mercure Inverness Hotel, Church Street, IV1 1QY, ☎ +44 (844) 815 9006 (fax: +44 (146) 371 1206), [39] . The Modern 3 star hotel, just a short walk from Inverness train station, with indoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, and inviting Arts restaurant & bar. All of the 106 rooms offer complimentary internet access and satellite TV. edit Splurge[ edit ] Culloden House Hotel [40] , beautiful Country House Hotel set 3 miles out of the city centre, great food, magnificent rooms, tel - 01463 790461.

Culloden House is where Bonny Prince Charlie slept, the night before the Battle of Culloden in 1746. Kingsmills Hotel, [41] Culcabock Road IV2 3LP, luxury four star hotel about 1 mile from the centre of Inverness, tel - 01463 237 166. Bunchrew House Hotel, [42] Inverness IV3 8TA, luxury country house hotel on the waters edge of the Beauly Firth, tel - 01463 234 917 Get out[ edit ] Urquhart Castle Culloden Battlefied lies on the outskirts of Inverness, scene of Bonny Prince Charlie's final defeat in 1746 Clava Cairns, close to Culloden battlefield (leaving the carpark turn right and right again at the next intersection, follow the signs). The Clava Cairns is a Bronze Age burial site. No admission charge. Site in care of Historic Scotland and accessible all year.

InvernessTours.com [43] is run by Tony Harmsworth who founded the Loch Ness Centre and has scripted and presented history and heritage exhibitions in the Highlands. You charter the six passenger luxury Mercedes exclusively from £75 and choose one of dozens of itineraries published on his website. Loch Ness is approximately 6 miles from Inverness. Jacobite [44] have buses travelling to Loch Ness from Inverness to link up with their cruise boats. Cruises may be joined at Tomnahurich, at the southern edge of the city. For the first 3/4 miles, these sail down the famous and scenic Caledonian Canal and then down Loch Ness itself. Alternatively you may board at Drumnadrochit for the return sail, having visited nearby Urquhart Castle [45] and the Loch Ness Visitor Centre [46] which carries the story of Nessie [47] ]. For information with a more scientific slant see The Loch Ness Information Site [48] . Top Five Places to Live in Scotland — The Official Gateway to Scotland Edinburgh is Scotland’s capital city. It is located on the southern shore of the Firth of Forth.

It is the second most populated city in Scotland with an estimated population of 492,000. It is home to the Scottish Parliament and Holyrood Palace, Queen Elizabeth’s second home. It is the largest financial centre in the UK after London. Leisure Residents of Scotland’s capital city have everything right on their doorstep. The quiet, leafy and relatively inexpensive suburbs are only ever up to a thirty minute commute to the iconic Edinburgh Castle and the wealth of choice in shops, museums, theatres, restaurants and bars in the city centre. Transport With an award-winning bus network, the second largest train station in the UK and an international airport, the transport links within the city, to the rest of Scotland and the UK and, indeed, the rest of the world - are excellent. Education There are four recognised universities in Edinburgh, including the prestigious and research-leading University of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt University . Employment In terms of employment prospects, Edinburgh is home to the highest percentage of professionals in the UK, with 43% of the population holding a degree-level or equivalent qualification. The main industries are financial services, scientific research, higher education and tourism. 4. Perth Perth is located on the banks of the River Tay.

Perth is the main city in the wider historic county of Perthshire, It has a population of around 50,000. There has been a settlement at Perth since prehistoric times. It is referred to as the “Gateway to the Highlands” because of its location. Leisure Perth is home to one of the oldest museums in Scotland, two theatres and a wide choice of shops, bars and restaurants in the city centre. The city hall is often used as a concert hall and there is a local professional football team. Perth is also within easy reach of the Cairngorms National Park which is a centre for hill walking, mountain climbing, skiing and camping. Fantastic for outdoorsy types! Transport Due to its central location, the road network that connects to Scotland’s other six cities meets in Perth. Uniquely, It is an easy driving distance of Edinburgh and Glasgow, as well as Aberdeen and Inverness. There is a train station with regular trains to London and a reliable bus network connecting the city and local towns. Education The Perth College Campus of the University of the Highlands and Islands and a number of learning centres run by UHI, are located throughout Perthsire, offering a range of degrees.

Employment Perth has a diverse economy with a lot of work in the public sector, small and medium sized enterprises, as well as self-employed business people. Developments in the areas of renewable energy, insurance, manufacturing, leisure, health and transport are creating jobs in the area. 3. Dundee Quick facts: Dundee is located on the north bank of the Firth of Tay, which feeds into the North Sea. It has a population of around 148,000. Dundee is the first UNESCO City of Design for its contributions to medical research, comics and video games. Dundonians are the happiest people in Scotland with the way their town and homes are decorated, according to RightMove Happy at Home Index, 2015 . Leisure Dundee is a cultural hub, with its main attractions being Dundee Contemporary Arts centre - which houses two art galleries, a print studio, a visual research centre and a cinema; and Caird Hall, the principal concert venue and home to Scotland’s only full-time company of actors - Dundee Rep Ensemble . Transport Dundee is easily accessible from Edinburgh and Glasgow due to its central location.

It has a main train station with rail links to most of the UK, and a frequent bus service both around and out of the city. Education Dundee is home to two universities; the reputed University of Dundee which is known for its medicine and dentistry programmes, and the modern and contemporary Abertay University , which is renowned for games design and other technology courses. Employment The economy in Dundee is mostly supported by jobs in healthcare, medicine, biotechnology and research. It is also a key retail destination. 2. Falkirk Falkirk is located in the central lowlands within the county of Stirlingshire. It lies in the Forth Valley, almost exactly half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow. It is the only place on this list that is a town rather than a city. Falkirk has an approximate population of 32,000 Falkirk residents find the cost of running their home the most manageable in the UK, according to RightMove Happy at Home Index: 2015 Leisure Falkirk is home to the Kelpies (pictured above), the largest equine sculptures in the world, and the Falkirk Wheel, the world’s only rotating boat lift.

The Kelpies can be found in Helix Park , a community project which has a state of the art play park, lagoon, a splash play area, a wetland boardwalk and various different walking and cycling routes. Falkirk also has ample cafes, bars, restaurants and shops in the town centre. Transport As Scotland’s most central town, Falkirk is bang smack in the middle of Glasgow and Edinburgh. There are two train stations with regular services to both cities, making them easily commutable. There is a regular bus service around the town and linking to other nearby areas, including Stirling. Education The University of Stirling is nearby and reachable by bus, train or car. Forth Valley College has a number of campuses in Falkirk and surrounding areas. Employment The main jobs in Falkirk are in the retail and service industries, the public services and the public sector. There is also a large petrochemical plant in neighbouring Grangemouth which employs many Falkirk residents. Due to the favourable cost of living in Falkirk and its central location, Falkirk is a good place to live to commute into Edinburgh or Glasgow for work. 1.

Inverness The name Inverness is Scots Gaelic for “Mouth of the River Ness” Inverness is regarded as the capital of the Highlands. It is the northernmost city in the United Kingdom. The population is approximately 62,000 Inverness has been voted as the happiest place to live in Scotland for two years running. Leisure What attracts many tourists to Inverness is, of course, the legend of the Loch Ness monster. In terms of residents, there is plenty to keep your weekends filled. There is Inverness Castle, a museum and art gallery, numerous picturesque walking and driving routes around Loch Ness and the Highlands, a busy music and theatre scene, and it is within a half hour reach of the Cairngorms National Park, Glencoe and Glenshee for skiing, mountaineering and other outdoor pursuits. Transport There is a regular bus service travelling in and around Inverness, a train station that connects Inverness with local smaller towns, as well as longer routes to Abderdeen and further south to the central belt. There is a service to London six times a week. Inverness also has its own domestic airport, offering daily flights to cities all over the UK.

Education The University of the Highlands and Islands has its main campus in Inverness, which has around 8,500 students. Employment Most of the traditional industries such as distilling and farming have been replaced by high-tech businesses such as design, manufacturing and health science. The Scottish Natural Heritage is also a main employer for the area. So that’s the low down on the top 5 best places to live in Scotland, based on how content current Scots are with their home and their local community. Only you will know what best suits your lifestyle, your family and your career so choose carefully then come and join us in the best wee country in the world! Scottish Highlands Holidays & Things To Do | VisitScotland Broadford Towns & Villages The village of Broadford is the second largest on Skye and makes a good base for exploring the Cuillins and the island. Brora Towns & Villages Placed perfectly on the magnificent east coast of Sutherland, the small village of Brora boasts a prime golf location.

Caithness And North Coast Sutherland Area Sub-region Caithness and North Coast Sutherland is a largely area of unspoilt, dramatic scenery in the far north of Scotland, indeed, on the extreme edge of Europe. Dornoch Towns & Villages Sitting on the edge of the Dornoch Firth, the small historic town of Dornoch boasts a tranquil location, stunning scenery and sunny climate. Drumnadrochit Towns & Villages Located at the head of Urquhart Bay on the northern shore of Loch Ness, the lovely village of Drumnadrochit is popular with Loch Ness monster hunters! Dufftown Towns & Villages Kingussie Towns & Villages Kingussie is the capital of Badenoch in the Highlands. It’s a lovely lively town beside the River Spey in the midst of the beautiful Cairngorms National Park. Lochcarron Towns & Villages Lochcarron is a pretty village of white-washed cottages on the shore of Loch Carron in the Wester Ross region of Scotland.

Lochinver Towns & Villages The small fishing port and resort of Lochinver on the west coast of Scotland offers the very best views back across to Suilven. Mallaig Towns & Villages The bustling and thriving port of Mallaig is situated on the north west coast along the famous Road to the Isles. Nairn Towns & Villages Nairn is an attractive seaside town with a prime location on the Moray Firth and is one of the driest and sunniest places in Scotland. Newtonmore Towns & Villages Newtonmore is a lovely village nestling in the upper reached of the Spey valley within the Cairngorms National Park. Portree Towns & Villages Portree, the main town on the Isle of Skye, is a bustling port and a thriving cultural centre. Spean Bridge Towns & Villages The small and attractive village of Spean Bridge is located at the southern end of the Great Glen and is best known for its iconic Commando Memorial. Tain Towns & Villages The small but thriving town of Tain, situated on the south shore of Dornoch Firth, is Scotland’s oldest royal burgh.

Thurso Towns & Villages The most northerly town in mainland Scotland, Thurso is a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Tomintoul Towns & Villages Nestled at a height of 1164 ft on the northern slopes of the Cairngorm Mountains, Tomintoul is the highest village in the Highlands. Uig Towns & Villages Set in a sheltered horseshoe-shaped bay on Skye, Uig is a ferry port to the Western Isles and a good base for a walking holiday. Ullapool Towns & Villages The picturesque fishing town of Ullapool, nestled on the shores of Lochbroom, is a great holiday destination and a gateway to the Northern Highlands. Wick Towns & Villages The former Viking settlement of Wick is the principal town in the far north of the mainland. Aviemore iCentre VisitScotland iCentres Aviemore iCentre is located in the centre of the village only 200 yards from the rail station and bus stop - a great place to start exploring the Cairngorm National Park.

Drumnadrochit iCentre VisitScotland iCentres Drumnadrochit iCentre is ideally situated off the A82 in the main village car park. We offer a wide range of services including accommodation booking, bus tickets, loch cruise booking and a good range of gifts, maps and books. Durness iCentre VisitScotland iCentres Durness iCentre has one of the best views in Scotland, overlooking beautiful Sango Bay in the far North West Highlands. Our enthusiastic local staff are on hand to offer help and advice to ensure that your visit is a memorable one. Fort Augustus iCentre VisitScotland iCentres Situated at the main car park in the village and only a short walk from the shores of Loch Ness. We offer a wide range of services including accommodation bookings. Fort William iCentre VisitScotland iCentres Fort William iCentre is situated in the town's High Street. We offer a wide range of services including accommodation bookings, bus and ferry tickets, loch cruises and activity bookings. Inverness iCentre VisitScotland iCentres The Highland capital’s official source for information on everything there is to do and see in Inverness and the Highlands.

Our enthusiastic team can help you book your accommodation, transport, day trips and cruises on Loch Ness. Lochinver iCentre VisitScotland iCentres Lochinver iCentre is a seasonal centre and with plenty of parking close by, it’s easily accessible for visitors. Portree iCentre VisitScotland iCentres Strontian iCentre VisitScotland iCentres Strontian iCentre is situated at the main car park in the village. Here you can find out about local walks, wildlife, geology and history. You can also purchase a wide range of gifts, books, maps and postcards. Thurso iCentre VisitScotland iCentres Open all year round, Thurso iCentre is situated in the fascinating Caithness Horizons Museum and is one of the most northerly towns in the UK mainland. Our friendly local staff are on hand to offer you help and assistance. Ullapool iCentre VisitScotland iCentres Ideally situated, Ullapool iCentre is located in the heart of this historic village in Argyle Street. We offer excellent advice and knowledge of our beautiful area along with an accommodation and travel booking service. Seychelles 1.

SEYCHELLES Spread across 175 square miles of the Indian Ocean, this chain of 115 islands has become (slightly) more accessible with the introduction of Crystal Cruises ’ first small-capacity yacht, Crystal Esprit. The 62-guest, all-suite ship will spend its maiden season sailing into some of the smaller ports of call in the Seychelles , departing from Dubai. If you prefer to remain on land, The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach debuted this past August as the only five-star beachfront hotel in Mahé, the archipelago’s largest island. And come spring, Six Senses Zil Pasyon will open on its own 640-acre isle; even if you don’t opt to stay in one of the 47 villas that make up the resort, you can still boat over for meals or drinks. When to go: Year-round; the islands sit outside the cyclone belt. Shutterstock Cozumel 2. COZUMEL In 2016, travel to this Mexican isle will be easier — and less expensive.

A new ferry company, Barcos Caribe Cozumel, will shuttle travelers from Playa del Carmen, raising the total number of boat companies serving the island to three. Once on Cozumel , wander through the revamped gardens and fountains at Parque Benito Juarez, which offers free Wi-Fi, and breathe deeply at the world’s first underwater oxygen bar, Clear Lounge Cozumel . Also underwater: new exploratory dives to sites with pristine reefs are being led just north of the island. After dark, stargaze from the astrological observatory at the new Cha’an Ka’an Cozumel Planetarium . When to go: January through July, but avoid spring break. 3. HAIDA GWAII, CANADA Off the coast of British Columbia, Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) houses some 5,000 people on its 150 islands. Accommodations are limited to just two of these, Graham and Moresby, which together see about 24,000 visitors a year. Annual tourism to Gwaii Haanas National Park, however, is capped at just 2,000.

Enter Steppes Travel , with an easier, more comfortable way to explore the destination. Its brand-new, May-to-July itinerary includes seven nights on Swell, a century-old tugboat turned six-cabin, 12-passenger expedition cruising ship. You’ll observe a variety of wildlife — humpback whales, black bears and bald eagles — and visit several cultural sites, including SGang Gwaay Haida village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see its hand carved memorial totem poles. When to go: May to September. Zach Stovall Aruba 4. ARUBA With a geographic position just north of Venezuela and just south of the hurricane belt, Aruba boasts nearly perfect weather, making it an ideal year-round locale. Adding to that appeal for 2016? New and improved resorts and an event foodies will love. A total of $100 million was invested in new hotels and enhancements to existing properties. The all-inclusive Riu Palace Antillas opened late last year; the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino updated the rooms in its adults-only Marina and family-friendly Ocean Suites areas; and both the Marriott Aruba Hotel and Holiday Inn Resort Aruba received face-lifts.

The former Radisson Aruba, a historic Morris Lapidus-designed beachfront property, recently became the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, and by year’s end, a trio of Divi Resorts will have completed their upgrades. On the food scene, Aruba is getting a taste of the farm-to-table move- ment. Its first-ever Eat Local Aruba Restaurant Week , during which some 55 eateries created special wallet-friendly locavore menus, debuted last fall and will return in late September. But the island celebrates great local food any time of year; it won the 2015 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice award for the best fine dining in the Caribbean. When to go: June through November, when most of the region’s weather is unpredictable. Scotland Tourism SCOTLAND'S NORTH COAST 500 IS A ROAD TRIP TO RIVAL ROUTE 66. 5. SCOTLAND The launch of Scotland’s North Coast 500 loop has opened up the country’s Highlands and northernmost shores in a new and much more accessible way. Intrepid travelers can now explore its rural and rugged landscapes by car, bicycle or even on foot.

An added boon: Recently added flights to Aberdeen on Icelandair make it easier than ever to get to nearby Inverness, the capital of the Highlands and the perfect place to start the trip. The scenic 500-mile route — which can be driven in its entirety in as little as three days — combines nature and adventure, food and drink, history and culture. You will pass towering mountain ranges, centuries-old ruins and monumental castles. And you can see what all the Hollywood buzz is about with a side trip to the Isle of Skye, off Scotland’s northwest coast. Its wild, weathered, windswept landscapes have recently been featured in Macbeth, starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, and J.J. Abrams’s just-released Star Wars epic. When to go: High summer, when daylight stretches until 11 p.m. Shutterstock Azores 6. AZORES, PORTUGAL Last spring, Ryanair and EasyJet began offering low-cost flights to connect the Azores ' capital city of Ponta Delgada, on the main island of Sao Miguel, to London and Lisbon, raising the profile of this nine-island chain dramatically.

Americans will also find them surprisingly easy to reach, thanks to four-hour direct flights from Boston on SATA . Reasons to visit: A 450-mile network of hiking trails recently debuted on the island of Santa Maria, where the soon-to-open Charming Blue will offer 15 residential-style rooms. On Sao Miguel, the striking volcanic stone and concrete Arquipelago Contemporary Arts Centre just bowed, as did Design Hotels’ 55-room Furnas Boutique Hotel , featuring a spring-fed thermal spa. When to go: Mild climate year-round, but rainy season is November through March. 7. BARBADOS This former British colony celebrates the 50th anniversary of its independence on November 30, bringing with it an ample amount of festivals. Expect the usual annual autumn events, such as the Barbados Food & Wine and Rum Festival and the National Independence Festival of Creative Arts, along with special one-offs, like the Barbados 50, a transatlantic rally that will see boats traveling from London to West Africa to the Caribbean between July and November.

It closes out a big year of sailing events, which include the 80th anniversary of the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series in mid-January,as well as the GP14 World Championships in late March. When to go: Year-round, but November is the height of the independence celebrations. Shutterstock Mergui Archipelago 8. MERGUI ARCHIPELAGO, MYANMAR Up until a few years ago, it was almost impossible to travel to this out-there set of 800 islands spread across 10,000 square miles in the Andaman Sea off Myanmar ’s southern coast. Even as the political situation improved in the country, the only way to experience this pristine, practically empty archipelago was by wooden boat. Now, smartly appointed, state-of-the-art yachts are sailing here from ports in Phuket, Thailand, letting sophisticated travelers tour these jungled, mountainous sand- and coral-ringed atolls without sacrificing modern comforts and conveniences. Top Asia-travel expert Remote Lands has begun five-day cruises around many of the islands, giving guests access to exclusive dive sites teeming with turtles, stingrays, sharks and seahorses.

Beyond diving, travelers can explore villages of the local Moken population, otherwise known as “sea gypsies,” a hunter- gatherer maritime tribe who have called these waters home for millennia. When to go: November to March, outside of monsoon season. Shutterstock Cartagena 9. CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA Cartagena, on the Caribbean coast, boasts colorful colonial architecture and fantastic food, but its vibrant arts scene is often overlooked. This January brings the 10th incarnation of the Classical Music Festival , followed by the Southern Hemisphere edition of the U.K.’s literary Hay Festival . The city’s thriving contemporary music scene can be experienced via a new tour, Ruta Champetua, from on-the-ground experts Cartagena Insider, which introduces travelers to the world of the local Afro-Caribbean-Spanish champetua sound. Cultural center Ciudad Movil features a slate of creative performances, plus a new courtyard restaurant, Fedora Libro Cafe. Come spring, the hot spot to stay will be the 42-room Tcherassi Hotel + Spa ; with a rooftop pool and restaurant, the flagship is decorated by Cartagena native and top New York designer Richard Mishaan.

And all this comes at a bargain, too: The U.S. dollar has been steadily climbing against the Colombian peso; at press time, $1 U.S. equals 3,100 COP. When to go: The festivals take place in January and the weather is dry through April — the humid wet season starts in May. Cartagena boasts colorful colonial architecture, fantastic food and a vibrant arts scene. 10. SEA ISLAND & JEKYLL ISLAND, GEORGIA Many changes are afoot on these barrier islands, long a favorite of Southerners. Sea Island will see the 1928 Mediterranean-style Cloister hotel expand this spring with the 63-room Garden Wing, while the nearby eight-room Lodge at Broadfield was entirely rebuilt last fall after a devastating fire. New on Jekyll Island : 200- room LEED-certified The Westin Jekyll Island and a 157-room Holiday Inn Resort , along with a Beach Village retail area. A remastered Campground Pavilion makes sleeping under the stars much more comfortable, and this fall finds the opening of Jekyll Island Suites, whose 41 two- and three-bedroom accommodations will cater to families.

And February 4 to 6, Sea Island goes Edwardian one last time for its annual Downton Abbey event, coinciding with the show’s final season. When to go: Late spring and early fall. Shutterstock Australia 11. AUSTRALIA Now’s your chance to delve deeply into indigenous customs across the continent — beyond the Red Centre and Outback — through projects and companies owned by the aboriginal tribes. Barraddict is offering a new trip in the northern Kimberley region of Western Australia, where indigenous guides lead guests on helifishing tours and sea turtle-monitoring projects. In the south, Koomal Dreaming has new programs where guests can forage for bush food, then learn how to cook their finds with native chef Josh Whiteland. Near the Nitmiluk Gorge of the Northern Territory, the 100 percent aboriginal-owned outfit Pudakul has launched flat-bottom boat tours led by guides from the Jawoyn tribe. This tribe also owns the area’s Cicada Lodge , a 3-year-old pioneer in high-end, indigenous- owned hotels. When to go: Varies depending on which tour you choose, but generally May to September.

Shutterstock THE PARTY HAS NEVER STOPPED ON MYKONOS. 12. MYKONOS, GREECE While the uncertainties of Greece’s economy and the ongoing migrant crisis might have dampened the desire of some travelers to plan an Aegean holiday, the party never stopped on Mykonos. In fact, this past season saw an unprecedented number of openings on the hotel, spa and restaurant fronts. The attention-grabbing arrival for 2016 looks to be a second hotel from Bill & Co o; this one, Bill & Coo Coast , will have 15 rooms on 21⁄2 coastal acres just outside of Mykonos town. It will join two recent standouts: the 25-key, minimalist Mykonos Blanc , on Ornos Beach, and Mykonos No. 5 , in town, whose budget-friendly 11 residential-style rooms have kitchens and terraces.

New spots to see and be seen include Scorpios , a beach club on the island’s south coast featuring performance spaces and an indoor-outdoor restaurant; Buddha Bar-Beach, a seaside lounge at the recently redone Santa Marina Hotel & Villas in Ornos; and Hakkasan group’s upmarket contemporary Chinese spot Ling Ling. Plus Athens’s beloved health-food joint Nice-n-Easy just introduced good-for-you fare to the beach. When to Go: Late May through June or September, to avoid the crowds. 13. PANAMA CITY, PANAMA After an epic, yearslong feat of engineering, Panama 's famed canal will reveal its new lane this spring. Tour company Ancon Expeditions will offer behind-the-scenes construction tours, some by helicopter, others by Zodiac boat. In town, the historic Casco Viejo district, which saw the arrival of the American Trade Hotel and Tantalo Hotel in 2013, continues to attract trendy travelers on a budget (a boutique hotel is planned in a pair of colonial-era buildings).

On the luxury front, Ritz-Carlton, Panama , will open a 29-story tower with 220 rooms, four restaurants, two pools and a spa in the city’s heart by year’s end. And the national airline Copa just added direct flights from New Orleans and San Francisco. When to go: Spring, after the canal opens. Jeremy Beckers New Plymouth 14. NEW PLYMOUTH, NEW ZEALAND This port city on the west coast of the North Island offers an intriguing mix of culture, architecture and contemporary art, including the Len Lye Museum , named for and devoted to one of NZ’s most famous artists. But outside city limits, it’s all about adventure. There’s the reopened 11-mile Pouakai Crossing, which traverses mountains high above New Plymouth. Cyclists can sign up for Ventouro’s Forgotten Highway Cycling Tour , a 350-mile, six-day ride across some of North Island’s most rugged and remote terrain, led by two-time Olympian Tim Gudsell. An easier-option is Forgotten World Adventures’ new Rail Bike Tours , where riders gently pedal through the countryside on nearly 90 miles of unused train tracks, riding in converted rail carts.

When to go: Spring or fall in the Southern Hemisphere. No need to head to Key West to get that retro-chic Keys flavor: ENJOY YOUR PLACE IN THE SUN ON THIS LITTLE-KNOWN FLORIDA KEY. 15. ISLAMORADA No need to head to Key West to get that retro-chic Keys flavor. On Islamorada , Amara Cay recently opened in a former (and now totally unrecognizable) Hampton Inn, bringing smart, affordable digs — and Oltremare Ristorante, a restaurant specializing in Italian cuisine with a Floridian twist — to the beach. Several other area hotels received recent revamps, including the hipster-friendly Postcard Inn. And beer lovers will find there’s more to this destination than daiquiris: The Florida Keys Brewing Company opened last March, brewing their suds on site and joining the 14-month-old Islamorada Beer Company. Historic Upper Keys Walking Tours now ends its new fact-filled Happy Hour History Tour at the Brewing Company with a draught on the house.

(The company’s equally new Indian Key Historic State Park tour is also interesting, even without the alcohol.) And this Upper Key is having a moment in the spotlight: The Netflix series Bloodline, which is set (and shoots) here, starts its second season this year with new cast member John Leguizamo. When to go: January and February, with temps in the high 70s. Shutterstock

Question: In which town or city is the principal site of the University of the Highlands and Islands?
Answer: INVERNESS